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| The Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation is now available! |
Earlier in the history of Beauty Professor, I remember being over the moon with joy when I happened upon Neiman Marcus the very day that the original Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation (reviewed HERE) was released. Up to that point, there hadn’t been a foundation release quite like it in terms of packaging (sleek glass with a dropper), formula (weightless and buildable) and finish (practically invisible, simply like really good skin). Consequently, I promptly swatched every shade and offered a glowing comprehensive review to my readers. Since that day, nearly four years ago, that singular post has been viewed over 40,000 times!
**EDIT 2/15/16: All shades are swatched HERE!
It is with great joy that I announce that today’s post features the latest incarnation of the Giorgio Armani Maestro formula: the breathtakingly beautiful Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup Bi-Phase Elixir SPF 30.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the Maestro Glow in action as well as the Bottom Line…
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| Maestro Glow shade 5.5. |
The *Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup Bi-Phase Elixir SPF 30 (also available at for pre-order at Barney’s NY) is truly a uniquely beautiful product. I am so excited that this formula is finally available as I have been testing it for the past month.
Comprised of pigment-saturated powders and skincare oils, once shaken the bottle creates a perfect blend of coverage and luminosity. Although this new formula is as fluid and weightless feeling as the original Maestro foundation (reviewed HERE), the finish and coverage are slightly different.
Comprised of pigment-saturated powders and skincare oils, once shaken the bottle creates a perfect blend of coverage and luminosity. Although this new formula is as fluid and weightless feeling as the original Maestro foundation (reviewed HERE), the finish and coverage are slightly different.
I am glad that Giorgio Armani Beauty included the word “glow” in the title as I think it is the most apropos way of describing this base. As one can ascertain from the swatches that follow, there is no obvious shimmer to the formula, however the subtle sheen creates an ethereal result that is infinitely flattering, even for those who may have a general aversion to radiant formulas. Neither oily nor slippery, this formula makes my skin look even, healthy and perfected while feeling comfortable for hours.
I get instant medium coverage from a single application–four drops applied and blended on the forehead, both cheeks and chin–and prefer to add a touch of concealer, rather than an increased amount of foundation, on areas of the face that may require reinforcements. I have experimented with applying this with my fingers and a Beauty Blender and both methods are effective for a seamless result. The original Maestro formula gives me light to medium coverage, causing me to conclude that the Glow formula offers a touch more initial coverage overall.
The foundation comes in nine shades:
The foundation comes in nine shades:
- 00
- 02
- 04
- 05
- 5.5
- 6.25
- 07
- 08
- 11.75
Shade 5.5 is a perfect match for my NC 25 skin; although the shade is a touch more neutral than some of my more yellow-undertoned bases, I find that it blends seamlessly and does not oxidize, even during a long and warm/sunny day. I am sure that by late spring and certainly by summertime, however, I could easily bump to the 6.25.
The lasting power is impressive; when applied with fingers or even a Beauty Blender, I get 5-6 hours of touch up free wear time, which is exemplary for a luminous foundation.
All in all, I am dramatically impressed and abundantly pleased with the Maestro Glow formula; it is easy to apply, feels light and airy on the skin, blurs pores and fine lines, all the while offering a veil of weightless, skintone-evening perfection. The wait for this brand new, medium-coverage, luxuriously-luminous Maestro foundation has been well worth it…it is radiantly divine!
All in all, I am dramatically impressed and abundantly pleased with the Maestro Glow formula; it is easy to apply, feels light and airy on the skin, blurs pores and fine lines, all the while offering a veil of weightless, skintone-evening perfection. The wait for this brand new, medium-coverage, luxuriously-luminous Maestro foundation has been well worth it…it is radiantly divine!
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| The Maestro Glow comes in frosted glass bottle with a dropper for precise control when dispensing the formula. I only a dropper full to give glowy, medium coverage to my entire face. |
Official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
Maestro Glow is the first bi-phase makeup elixir that gives you the richest glow in the thinnest texture. The light, silky formula gives you an instant and lasting glow thanks to true skincare oils infused with pure pigments. These oils make the texture comfortable, easy to apply and nourishing for women with drier skin. Each drop perfects the complexion.
How to use: Shake the bottle before using to blend the oils and pigments. Mix it on the back of your hand to prepare for application. Apply with your fingertips over the face from the center outward.
- By Giorgio Armani; made in France.
Onto the swatches…
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| Maestro Glow 5.5 swatches in outdoor sunlight. |
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| Above: Maestro Glow 5.5 swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| A glowing foundation lineup. |
To adequately depict the precise formula and shade of the Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup Bi-Phase Elixir SPF 30, I offer you comparison swatches from six different foundations in the same N/NC 23-27 color family:
- Chantecaille Future Skin in Cream (reviewed HERE) is more gel like and slightly less glowy as well as much more yellow in undertone than the Maestro Glow 5.5.
- Clé de Peau Beaute Radiant Fluid Foundation (also available at Neiman Marcus and reviewed HERE) is similar in coverage and in tone but is less weightless than the Maestro Glow 5.5.
- By Terry Light Expert Click-Brush Foundation in 05 (reviewed HERE) is more sheer and velvety in texture than the Maestro Glow 5.5 but both foundations share a similar weightlessness and shade (neutral to warm…slightly peachy).
- It Cosmetics CC Cream SPF 50 in Medium (reviewed HERE) is much more opaque, slightly more matte and also leans more yellow than the Maestro Glow 5.5.
- Gucci Face Lustrous Glow Foundation in 060 (reviewed HERE) has a touch less initial coverage and is much lighter and more yellow than the Maestro Glow 5.5.
- Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation #123 (reviewed HERE) has a similarly radiant finish to the Maestro Glow 5.5 though the GA is slightly more pearl in nature while the KGD is just dewy in general. Also, although in the swatches both formulas look vastly different in terms of shades, once they set, the KGD #123 is just a touch lighter in terms of depth.
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| Foundation comparison swatches in mixed outdoor sunlight. |
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| Foundation comparison swatches in mixed outdoor sunlight. |
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| A curated beauty mix. |
To complement the Maestro Glow Foundation 5.5, I combined it with the following curated beauty mix:
- *Chantecaille Compact Soleil in St. Barth, applied along the cheek bones and perimeters of the face for depth and warmth. I have been reaching for this CONSTANTLY as of late as it is a perfect, toned-down bronzer for wintertime skin.
- By Terry Touch Expert Concealer #5 (reviewed HERE), applied under the eyes to brighten the orbital area.
- *Natasha Denona Face Glow Cream Shimmer in Light (reviewed HERE), applied on the cheekbones and down the bridge of nose for additional radiance.
- Giorgio Armani Eye Tints in the rich brown Senso and luminous rose gold Rose Ashes (reviewed HERE) blended over lids and along the lower lash line for an incandescent effect.
- Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara (to be reviewed soon)…two coats gives immense volume and length to say nothing of the jet black cloak of color. I am very impressed with this formula thus far.
- *Sisley Phyto Lip Twist in Baby (a soft baby pink) topped with the extra shiny *Sisley Phyto Lip Gloss in Nude See additional details on this gorgeous pairing later on in this post!
- A spritz of the stunning *Maison Margiela Replica Lipstick On (reviewed HERE). This is fast becoming one of my favorite, ultra-unique fragrances for this season.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| The marriage of pink and nude, compliments of Sisley. |
Recently, I had the opportunity to try a couple of comely lip products from Sisley; ordered from beauty online retailer We Make Beauty, the Sisley Phyto Lip Twist in Baby (formula previously reviewed HERE and HERE) and Sisley Phyto Lip Gloss in Nude are befitting additions to my pinky nude lip color menagerie!
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| The Sisley Phyto Lip Gloss in Nude. |
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| The Sisley Phyto Lip Gloss is plush and non sticky with significant opacity; this swatch of the Nude shade is one swipe in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Sisley Phyto Lip Gloss in Nude alone on the lips. |
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| Above: The Sisley Phyto Lip Twist in Baby. |
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| The Sisley Phyto Lip Twist in Baby is a warm, semi-sheer pink with immense hydration and delicate shine. |
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| Sisley Phyto Lip Twist in Baby alone on the lips. |
As a special gift to Beauty Professor readers and subscribers, We Make Beauty is offering 15% all orders, site-wide, with the code: BPROFESSOR. I, for one, have my eye on some gems from Guerlain and SK-II next!
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| A perfect pairing. |
The following images reflect all products in action…
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| Above: Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this overview of the magnificent *Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup Bi-Phase Elixir SPF 30 (also available at for pre-order at Barney’s NY) and cannot recommend this new release enough, especially if you seek a medium coverage, yet weightless, base with a lasting radiant finish.
Will YOU be trying this new Armani debut?
Good things ahead including yet another foundation feature (!) and a host of new product procurements. Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback on my most recent video (on my YouTube channel HERE); I am working my way through responding to questions and comments ; )
Have the loveliest of weekends…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (23)
happy saturday rachel! that foundation looks very promising. i especially like the formula includes high spf. i'm probably shade 00 or the next shade up. we have a small counter at nordstrom and a new beautiful counter at dillards (if i ever get over to that location). i will be checking this out. i love your top! could you please provide a link or tell me where you got yours? i saw similar prints in vince and topshop (both are very nice brands but sizes run different on everything). back to your 2015 video…it was so wonderful, i'm still taking notes!! xoxo wendy.
Hi Wendy!
It is such a lovely debut…I am loving it! I hope it arrives in store for you soon! With regards to the top details…I actually purchased it over 3 years ago and can't seem to find an exact match to send your way. If I discover something similar, I will definitely let you konw!
XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
i saw this on the GA website and was truly excited until I noticed that this doesn't have as many shades for women of colour as the original formula. Do you know if they are going to increase the shade range?
I am sure that there will be more shades added as time goes on…I noticed that happened with the original Maestro version as well! Armani is great about having a strong color spectrum so I have every confidence we'll see the same with this new release!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Once again, having my morning cappuccino with you. It's all about the glow now. I wonder how this would do on mature skin? It is really a beautiful finish on you, Rachel! I love the idea of the glowing foundation. I add Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation Illuninator to my foundations to try to achieve glowing results. However, having a glowing foundation in my kit seems fun to play with. Your other offerings in this blog are great. Love the post!
Hi Debi,
Love that! Thanks for the thoughts! I do think that this foundation would play well with mature skin…it is hydrating and lush and feels great over the course of the day. Also, the radiance quality is so subtle that it is ultra flattering without being over the top.
I hope that helps…XOXO and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
The new Armani foundation looks great on you. I am wondering how the finish compares to the Natasha Denona and the Temptu Air? Thanks!!
Thank you, Bullish! I find that that the Armani has a luminous satin finish with medium coverage and the Natasha Denona has a dewy finish with medium coverage…the Temptu Air has the most initially matte finish but it gets dewier after a few hours.
I hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! I was wondering if you could do a comprehensive post about the glowy foundations that have launched recently or are about to, comparing their consistency,longevity and thoughts on them. It could include, apart from this foundation, the new Laura Mercier one, the Natasha Denona option, even the new Stila release.
Absolutely, Bea…thank you for your request! I just filmed a video featuring 13 glowy foundations and will also have swatches on the blog when it goes live! Keep an eye out for it ; )
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Currently-4.5 to 4.75 in luminous silk.NW20 but leaning more neutral . Do you have color recommendation? Are the foundations colors on par or do they differ slightly due to the consistencies? Happy New Year BTW!!
Hi Sasha,
I would recommend shade 5…it will be very similar to your current matches. I find that both Maestro formulas–in terms of shades–are basically on par with each other!
XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
The foundation looks wonderful and as to read seems like one for me as well! Also, the Sisley Baby looks very nice! Thank you for this review!! I'll be waiting for this foundation to arrive in the Netherlands ;-).
Thank you so much, Melanie…I hope it comes to the Netherlands for you soon!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
It looks so beautiful on you! Thank you for the review! I was wondering what color would you recommend for me, I normally use Dior Flash 300… not sure Mac color for that.. sorry 🙂
Thank you so much! I would recommend 5.5. or 6.25 (a hair darker and warmer).
I hope that helps..xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for the review, I'm definitely going to have to pick this one up! Do you happen to know whether shade 00 is porcelain or white to mix with other shades? I have very porcelain skin so was wondering which shade would be more suitable – 00 or 02. Thanks 🙂
My pleasure! I am happy to hear that. The 00 is pure white for an incandecent finish and 02 is a very light beige with yellow undertones.
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professsor
Fantastic, thanks for your help. I'll go with shade 02 then 🙂
Looks like lovely everyday fresh looking foundation! Would you say that it is more glory than Armani Luminous Silk? Thanks!
Thanks! I would say it is a touch less glowy than the Armani Luminous Silk (in a good way) and has better coverage and lasting power on my skin!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
This looks really very pretty, as do you. What would you suggest for NC 20? I'm unsure because you suggested 5 for the person with NW20 skin & said that 5.5 was more neutral. I am unable to see it IRL, as I'm really unwell. As far as luminous foundations go, do you have a preference between this & BECCA's Aqua foundation?
I know some others requested a post with your opinions about luminous foundations, I'd love to hear your thoughts on other brands as well. I saw your post about the BECCA Aqua foundation and am curious about one's like the aforementioned Stila & one I'm curious about such as Tarte's Rainforest foundation, I'm drawing a blank about others coming on the market.
I have a rather big ask…I'm hoping at some point that you could update your favorite lips & base post. If you could include TM/BB/CC creams (for times that you don't need or want much coverage, you are short on time, etc), foundations that range from buildable to full coverages & everything in between. I'd love suggestions for powder & cream to powder foundations. I'd love to know bases that are great for people with sensitive skin which you understand. Again, I know updating that post is a lot to ask for & I know you work hard & long hours.
Eventhough I literally am bedridden, I'm on the hunt for a foundation. On the rare occasion when I can think about something other than my symptoms, my perma Roscea Ruldolph nose, other red spots & sensitive skin drive me bonkers. I want to have something so the moment I start feeling well I already have something in my arsenal. Ideally, I want something to have to pull my look together when I start to wear makeup again. Additionally, I'd love something quick & easy to use if I can muster the energy to apply…something that makes my skintone look more even but nothing heavy or any coverage that covers my plethora of freckles. Any advice &/or suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
Than you in advance!
Hello…I hope you are doing better! I would recommend #4 for NC 20 skin! I will be updating my favorite lips and bases tab very soon…thank for asking! One of my favorite light coverage foundations is the Chantecaille Future Skin…it is buildable so you can customize your coverage and it's great for sensitive skin. Hope that helps!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor